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Sewing as emotional repair with Leah Jensen
Material Matters with Grant Gibson
Can a needle and thread mend more than fabric? Ceramic artist Leah Jensen joins Grant Gibson to discuss the radical pivot in her practice after a brain cancer diagnosis — and how stitching became a daily act of survival, documentation and repair.
In this episode, we explore making as medicine and the quiet power of slow, analogue craft. We discuss:
- Renaissance Patterns: The unexpected art-historical roots of Leah's intricate, geometric ceramic surfaces.
- 'Anti-Digital' Making: Why she rejects screens and software in favour of the hand, the eye, and the hour-long stitch.
- The Brain Tumour Book: How embroidery became a diary of diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy — exhibited this April at London's Fitzrovia Chapel with Cavaliero Finn.
- 'Sewing is an act of emotional repair': Using thread — and her own hair — to process trauma, memory loss and identity.
- Return to Clay: Re-entering the ceramic studio after illness, and how the two mediums now speak to each other.
Leah also reflects on collapsing behind a bar in the moment that changed everything, the role of her parents and partner in her recovery, and what making has taught her about being present.
You can support The Brain Tumour Charity via the Brain Tumour Book fundraising page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/braintumourbookcharityfundraisingexhibition
Explore more: Visit materialmatters.design for more on our fairs and conferences.
